Xyden sat in silence and watched as the events transpired, Leith largely forgotten by his side. All manner of abilities were cast about the room, some less than comfortable like the Cryomancy demonstration and some largely inconsequential to Xyden. He was waiting for the Hydromancy demonstration. When fiends resembling biped versions of the rare hellfish emerged from the air Xyden distinctly regretted not bringing his trident to the dinner, but no sooner had he risen to his full stature than the ground erupted with landweed-roots that swarmed and constricted like a Naga’s coils. As quickly as they came into being, the walking hellfish were gone.

It eventually registered in his mind that the Leith Land-Strider had named him the winner of the ‘wager’ and wondered off. It meant little to him, though he did commit to memory the fact that he was now owed a favour. That could prove useful later. Then came the Psychomancy demonstration. The world seemed to fall away as visions of another place, another time, assaulted his mind. He did not how, but somehow this teacher was drawing visions of the Naga goddesses into being, and the sight was a terrifying one. Somehow though, it felt like a memory that was not his. When it was all over, a shiver ran through his fins and body, chilling him to the core. This was something he’d have to think about later, maybe he’d be able to interpret it more once he was in the water again.

When he looked around he noticed there was quite a commotion in the room. It seemed like it was dying down though, and he realised that whatever had happened, he had been in the grip of the vision through most of it, and if the others had also been assaulted with such a thing it was faster for them. He had awoken in time to see the final paired demonstration though. Liquids of all colours flowed from their containers and filled the air, weaving in currents more complex than even the most complicated of ocean currents and all the more spectacular for being easily visible. Xyden marveled at the spectacle, and even as part of him appreciated the beauty of it, another part of his mind was assessing the tactical and strategic benefits of being able to so drastically alter currents within the depths. With the unpredictable might of the ocean tamed and at his heel he could lead a new generation of Ocean Naga expansion and prosperity.

He laughed as he saw the use the Surface Dwellers put it all too, a harsh wet noise escaping from his bestial maw. They had no idea what they had at their command here. With that, he had no further reason to be here. He turned and slithered out of the great hall, getting the attention of one of the golems and following it to his new room.

He was most pleased when he arrived. He opened the door to see a wall of water, no doubt held back by runes, the interior of the watery environment lit by small fluorescent plants as well as a facsimile of one of the volcanic vents that heated the Naga city. He slithered into the wall of water, and as his body entered the water he was struck with the familiar feelings of lightened weight and the ability to move freely and easily in any direction. He hadn’t realised how good these were until now, now that he’d been without for so long. The water was warm and flowing as he swam. He’d never felt more alive.